I lost my MTB recently, looking to get a road bike for evening rides (fitness perspective).I'am looking at spending $200-$350, what I need help with is the usual pointers.What do I need to know about a bike in that price range.Age, Components, frame, brands.

With so many bikes built but second hand availability varying so much, it's hard to give good info on specific brands, etc.

However, when I got back onto a bike I bought a year-old Shimano 2200/Sora bike (a Viventi Como) through BNA for $500. I've trained, commuted and raced on it for about three years (although the workload is shared between 2 or 3 other bikes). One of the Sora brifters died and had to be replaced, and I've since upgraded just about everything - not because the rest of the 2200/Sora wore out, but because other gear off other bikes became available.

Basically, the cheapie has been brilliant value for money. From my limited experience, I would not go below 2200/Sora level components. Wheel life seems to depend on how much abuse you give them -people will give wildly varying reports on identical wheels.

Bikes of similar quality, older but well maintained can be found here and on Bicycle Exchange and will be a whole lot of fun.

Got the tube repaired , also purchased a few accessories.Will post photos tomorrow once I give it a good clean.

Now does anyone know whether soapy water cleaning is ok ?Also with the mechanicals what would be a good cheap de-greaser (spray preferable -bunnings ?)Also some cheap lube.

PS I did get the clipless pedals and shoes combo from this place, http://www.ebay.com....#ht_1976wt_1186 all in all with the shoes was $79.00Taking off the shoes from the pedal is not the easiest thing

Also during my maiden ride today noticed that my back was hurting a bit, should I lower the seat or bring the handlebar up.

I did a heap of internet research and basically set my bikes up roughly to the 'Lemond' style as far as seat height, etc, went. It was in the ballpark and only required slight adjustments as I went - I am no expert however, so you have to find your own zone.

Soreness is typical for the first period - as your body is still getting used to the bike and cycling, but if it does not diminish after a few miles / rides, set-up is a likely suspect.

Guys,I need to get a cheap bike computer that can show me Strava details also provide me cadence information.Do we have any decent and cheap tools out there that could not load too much weight and also provide accurate information.

As to your question about Strava details I suggest that if you have a smartphone use the Strava app. And yes I know that it won't track cadence but there are other bike computers that will do that ie Cateye V2c. And you could maybe pick up one them 2nd hand

But in short the Garmin Edge 500 is probably the go but without saying what your budget is I can't really recommend anything else. Now having said that a bike computer will stay with from bike to bike so I would suggest that the investment in a good Bike computer will pay for itself later.

As to your question about Strava details I suggest that if you have a smartphone use the Strava app. And yes I know that it won't track cadence but there are other bike computers that will do that ie Cateye V2c. And you could maybe pick up one them 2nd hand

But in short the Garmin Edge 500 is probably the go but without saying what your budget is I can't really recommend anything else. Now having said that a bike computer will stay with from bike to bike so I would suggest that the investment in a good Bike computer will pay for itself later.

Good luck & safe riding

Hi Fraggle,

Thanks for your recommendation, I have seen some used Edge 301's floating around.Would they be any lesser of a buy then the 500's, especially with what I want to do with the unit.

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